Elizabeth City State University has a new Athletic Director. According to an announcement made by ECSU Interim Chancellor Dr. Karrie Dixon, George L. Bright will lead the Viking athletic department starting July 31.

“I look forward to the future of our athletic program with George at the helm. He is a proven leader who is forward thinking and brings with him the right tools to fortify our program,” said Dixon.

Bright was most recently Director of Athletics and Recreation at Moravian College, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania from 2015 to 2017.

As director he developed, implemented, and supervised the administration of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) compliance, strategic planning, fundraising, and all aspects of the athletic program.

Prior to his role at Moravian College, Bright worked as the Associate Director of Athletics from 2001 to 2015, and Assistant Director of Athletics from 1993 to 2001, for Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania.

Bright is a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, the Collegiate Athletics Business Management Association, and Minority Opportunity and Interests Committee for the NCAA.

He has served on the board of directors for a number of community organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club and the Easton Area School District.

Bright holds a Bachelor of Arts in music performance from Claflin University; a Master of Arts in rehabilitation counseling from South Carolina State University; and is currently working on his doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania.

“It took a collective effort to successfully complete this search. We appreciate the search committee, the campus, and the university community for their participation in this process,” said Dixon.

Bright takes over the ECSU athletic department from Derrick Johnson, who was fired in April after nearly three years at the helm of ECSU athletics.